Renault Trafic E-Tech Electric, a Work Van with a New Suit and a Software Backbone
Renault used the Solutrans 2025 show to unveil the Trafic E-Tech electric, a van built around full electric drive and a software led vehicle architecture. It reaches the road at the end of 2026 and reads like a new generation workhorse, one that relies not only on battery size but on software that evolves long after the purchase.
The new Trafic sits on a dedicated electric platform. The L1 measures 4.87 metres and holds 5.1 cubic metres of cargo. The L2 stretches to 5.27 metres with 5.8 cubic metres of space. Its 1.90 metre height fits most underground car parks. Wide sliding and rear doors make loading euro pallets straightforward.
A light bar across the nose, an illuminated logo and a visor like windscreen give the van a clean tech look. Black protective panels carry laser etched patterns. The rear lamps use a three dimensional design rarely seen in the van world.
Inside, the dashboard is built around a tubular structural beam topped with a 10 inch instrument display and a 12 inch multimedia screen. Storage is plentiful and the materials include recycled fibres.
The long range battery uses NMC chemistry and promises up to 450 kilometres. The cheaper urban pack uses LFP cells and offers around 350 kilometres. Both support 800 volt charging. A fast charger adds roughly 260 kilometres in twenty minutes.
The motor produces 150 kilowatts and 345 newton metres. Payload reaches 1.25 tonnes and towing capacity stands at 2 tonnes. V2L and V2G functions allow users to power tools or feed energy back to the grid.
A new SDV architecture runs the vehicle through a single central computer. Software updates arrive remotely and new functions can be added later. The CAR OS system is based on Android Automotive and supports Google services alongside integration with corporate tools.
With the Trafic, Renault shows how an electric van becomes both a smart work instrument and a software device. Rivals are heading in the same direction, yet Renault leans heavily on the central computer and rapid updates that extend the van’s useful life and make the working day easier to predict.
